Why... the grills?




The picture provides a strange sight in Paris. I still have not deciphered the mystery. The building is an apartment complex. But, why is it fully covered in grills?

If you look closely, there are balconies where the residents have opened the grills. Who wants to sit there without a clear view of the street? But, then why do they cover it with grill in the first place?

I could see glass windows through the grill. But Paris is now very gentle compared to their turbulent past. There are no rioting public who are likely to throw stones on glass windows. So, that shouldn't be the purpose.

My sense of direction is skewed when walking through the city. Are the residents trying to filter the sunlight falling directly into their abodes? A curtain is more efficient and elegant for this need.

I still wonder about the grills.

Tags: Travel,Paris,Grill

Comments

  1. Strange indeed, must google it and find the reason. Or better still why not ask the local people about it?

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  2. @Rama - I'm going to ask the local people.

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  3. @Harish, @Kavita - I agree. :)

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  4. @Sujatha - he he. I will let you know if I come across the answer.

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  5. it maybe to keep the building cool. The NY Times building in New York also has grills to save energy http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/20/arts/design/20time.html

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  6. @OneWhoNetsTheDot - Thanks for dropping by. Thanks for the link. Your explanation makes sense.

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  7. I cant imagine life in a house with the grills all closed, but i do know people who actually prefer it that way.. one of my relatives has installed an ac in every room and never opens the windows! and they live in a wonderful area with lots of open spaces. ask them why, and they wonder why we want the window open when it only brings dust in!!!! they are so used to this that they dont open the windows even when the ac is not working!! Unimaginable for me!

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  8. @Anu - Thanks for dropping by. The grills in the picture blocks the view. But, I do understand your point. It is difficult to live all closed up and no light/air entering the house.

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  9. "The grills in the picture blocks the view."
    I think this is precisely the purpose: enjoy balcony with a little intimacy from neighbours across the street.

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  10. @Mael - Thanks for dropping by and removing the stealth mode. :) Your reason makes sense. I finally manage to clear this with a local resident. The building has a lot of glasses. So the architect deliberately made the design this way to ensure safety.

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